Q’s crew returns to work this afternoon after basically loosing a day Monday. The weather should not be a problem for the Cubs in the coming day as the Cactus League schedule comes to an end. The Cubs have only eight exhibition games remaining on the schedule … this is the last full week of camp, Opening Day is a week from Friday.

Ryan Dempster takes the ball this afternoon as the Cubs’ offense gets their second crack of the spring at Chad Billingsley …

Ryan Dempster has put together a solid spring and figures to make one more start in the Cactus League before taking the ball on Opening Day against the Pirates. Dempster will make his fifth start of the spring this afternoon.

Spring Training stats are just that, but Dempster’s 15 strikeouts and only two walks in 18 innings are very impressive. Dempster has allowed only four runs, all earned, on 11 hits in four spring starts.

Aramis Ramirez has missed the last two games after being sent home Sunday with a 102 degree temperature. Ramirez was expected back in this afternoon’s lineup.

Chad Billingsley will make his second start of the spring against the Cubs. Billingsley has struggled this spring with his command and has allowed nine runs, eight earned, on 14 hits with six walks and 11 strikeouts in 15 innings. Today will be Billingsley’s fifth start of the spring.